Miniature horses are ­neither dwarfs, nor tiny ponies, and are approximately a quarter of the weight of an ­average horse. They truly are miniature horses. They are known as a height breed, with ­stallions standing no taller than 90 cm at the wither, and mares at 95 cm. The general impression of a miniature as with any well-bred horse, must show elegance and refinement.

One of the joys of miniatures is the range and diversity of coat and eye colours – from true black to white, solid and broken patterns, and with any number of variations in between. Eye colours range from black to blue, but a miniature should never be judged by the colour of the eye or coat, but only by perfection and height.

Foals confuse most people, arriving one colour, but at change of coat, another often emerges. Miniatures reach about 85% of their mature height and weight by the time they are a year old.

What to do with a miniature?

You love it. It will give reason and structure to your life, and you can take it for a walk on the beach, drive a small carriage, and if you only weigh 25% of its weight, you could ride it!

That last statement is patently absurd, but yes – very small children could ride a miniature. Miniatures don't weigh much more than 150 kg and 25% of that will be 37 kg, and who, weighing that little, would be strong or capable enough to school a miniature? If you weigh 60 or 70 kg it could carry you, and you would be able to control it, but it's a bit like a Thoroughbred pulling a junk cart laden with scrap metal – not a pretty sight!

Driving a miniature is a huge amount of fun. In England, miniature driving classes are drawing crowds, and the indoor scurry classes are growing, with classes having as many as 20 competitors, driving not only in single harness, but also in pairs.

There are cases of miniature guide horses and this makes a lot of sense with the average age of a horse reaching 20, compared to a dog's working life of 12 at most. Hospital and old age home visits are also fabulous, not only for the patients but for the horse and handlers.

Care and maintenance

The care and maintenance is the same as for a 16 hh Warmblood – just scaled down. They have the same needs with regard to deworming and vaccination programmes, but hands-on attention is so much easier.

Miniatures thrive on attention; they are joyous, inquisitive and loving. Grooming a miniature is a doddle, though the chances are that more time will be spent with the mini than on a normal horse, as these sessions inevitably end as a mutual groom and cuddle. They are hardy and, come winter, grow extensive coats which they shed in spring, emerging like sleek, shiny, dainty butterflies.

Three to four miniatures per hectare and a three-sided roofed shelter, will see to their comfort.

Dental care: Teeth is one aspect of the miniature that hasn't been successfully shrunk, and between 2-4 years as the permanent teeth arrive, unsightly tooth bumps may well change the shape of the face. But once the teeth have emerged, the face will return to normal. Consequently dental care from an early age is recommended, as they often need help dislodging caps. This care should be six-monthly until approximately four years when annual visits will suffice.

Hoof care: Miniatures generally have strong, well-formed feet, but being the size that they are, the hooves resemble cookie cutters, and dirt and mud pack in. Regular cleaning is essential for healthy feet. Six-weekly visits by a farrier for a trim and rasp to ensure a balanced foot for an adult miniature should be sufficient, but a foal should be seen from as early as three weeks, if only to condition it for future work.

Feeding: Basically what we're all after is a well-nourished, healthy horse. Miniatures are easy keepers and like most height-deprived people, the most difficult thing is to keep them slim, but nutritionally sound. Their nutritional needs are the same as a large horse, and it is every horse's right to expect clean uncontaminated feed, unlimited access to water and regular feeding times, no matter what the size. I have found that a high protein diet and unlimited poor grazing, keeps my horses well and their weight stable.

Breeding

Their gestation is 320-360 days, but as the saying goes: "The foal picks the day and the mare the hour". And what an hour it is when that long-awaited foal arrives, no bigger than a foxterrier, but a perfect little horse.

Because of their size, mares quite often have difficulty foaling and responsible breeders have to practise great vigilance. Sadly it is not uncommon to hear of foals being lost. Not only is it a tragedy for the breeder, but also for the mares as they are wonderful mothers and mourn a lost foal.

The South African Miniature Horse Breeders' Society has laid down a breed standard and, before a horse can be registered with the society, it has to be inspected and approved. Any sign of abnormalities and the horse will not be registered.

The popularity of the miniature is growing. Hopefully the mental image of a heavy, chunky little horse is gradually fading. Selective breeding has done a lot for the breed and the showring is reflecting this.

Breeders must not be tempted to go for the smallest horse category – it is a dangerous road leading us backwards. Strive for better conformation and movement, and if that means breeding a slightly taller, but perfect animal, then so be it. We can always breed down from perfection, but we cannot breed up from dwarfs.

Buying a miniature

You have decided that you must have a miniature horse. Your shelter is up in your safely fenced hectare, and you have a list of breeders. Your next decision is to decide what you want from your miniature. A pet or companion horse? Or do you want to breed a future South African champion?

If it's the latter, you must obviously go for the best quality that you can find. Any responsible breeder will be happy to show you their stock. Ask to see sires, dams, siblings and papers. Take your time and don't be rushed or fall into the ag shame game. This is a long-term commitment and you are dealing with a herd animal that will be happier and healthier if they have company. Miniatures run a risk if used as companions to large horses – a frolic or a careless kick could cause untold damage.

Once chosen, for whatever reason, have your vet check the horse. Miniature horses should have a health warning stuck on their bottoms – they are addictive, and the addiction is not one easily overcome!

(The author, Caroline Irish, owns the Outeniqua Miniature Horse Stud in Knysna. Contact her on 044 383 0137 or wisit the website www.knysna-miniature-horses.co.za)